Re: A troubleing OA Election Team Situation - Did we do the right
Milt Forsberg (miltf@UX1.CSO.UIUC.EDU)
Thu, 6 Mar 1997 09:39:29 -0600
Regarding the Unit Leader wanting to change the election results to elect
one more boy...
The policy is that when the election is over, it is over. The leader can
remove names from the ballot prior to the election, but he cannot do it
after the election. No way should he be able to add someone to the
elected list who was not chosen by the boys voting.
As a Scoutmaster for almost 29 years, former Elections Chairman and
former Elections Advisor, and current Membership Advisor for my lodge, I
have seen a few situations similar. You need to be firm, but explain the
rules and back them up with the book. Sometimes a bit of coaching or
counselling helps. I have been blamed several times both for boys not
getting elected and boys being elected. Somehow, many on the outside
think the leader controls all the votes!
One case was a little similar to yours... 2 brothers were not elected. I
got a call from the irate parent wanting to know why I permitted this to
happen. I then explained how the boys fit in with everyone and that they
really were not that outgoing. They were excellent Scouts, but just did
not mix that well. The needed to try to be more a part of the group and
make more friends. It took a little convincing, but the father finally
understood. I then sat and talked with the 2 boys after the call out. I
explained that they were good Scouts, but they needed to interact with
more of the troop members. We discussed it a few times over the next
year, they improved and became more outgoing, and, yes, elected the next
year. Father was now happy again. They went on to be excellent troop
officers.
I would guess that the boy in this case who was not elected has not gained
the confidence of the others. This needs to be explained to the Unit
Leader so he can explain it to the boy's father. It is difficult, but it
can become a very positive learning experience. Particullarly with the
second election being held and the same results, it does look like the boy
needs a bit of direction. I have found over the years that the boys don't
make very many mistakes with who is elected. In almost every case, the
error is to elect someone who might not quite deserve it rather than to
miss a deserving candidate.
My apoligies for the rambling. I hope this helps, however.
Milt Forsberg
SM, Troop 7
Champaign, IL
Illini Lodge 55
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